Conerence branding system and related method

ABSTRACT

A portable display arrangement for the display of graphics at a conference or like event includes a plurality of flexible display panels. The plurality of flexible display panels wrap around a common axis to form a roll. A shipping container defines a storage cavity receives and supports the roll. A plurality of tubular members for suspending the plurality of flexible display panels from one or more trusses or other suspension structure are disposed in the storage cavity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/588,964 filed on Jul. 16, 2004. This related application is herebyincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD

The present invention pertains to customized graphics for corporateconferences and the like. More particularly, the present inventionpertains to various aspects of a conference branding system. The presentinvention also more particularly pertains to a related method forproviding a customer with a conference branding system.

BACKGROUND

It is known to utilize one or more display panels during live meetings,during education and training seminars, at media and business theaterenvironments and the like to present a corporate image or otherinformation. Visual materials for customizing and managing graphicbranding directives are displayed on the display panels. The visualmaterials may be permanently imprinted on to the display panels,projected on to the display panels, or both. These visual materials mayprovide a company with strategic communications and a corporate brandingcampaign to cascade throughout the company.

Examples of events that utilize display panels of the type which thepresent invention may be utilized to include but are not limited toemployee and investor meetings and sales meetings and events. Thecorporation hosting the events generally desires to provide the eventwith a positive image with the display panels.

In this regard, the display panels may carry corporate logos and thelike and may be color and theme coordinated with projected graphics,distributed graphics, or both.

Conventional display panels are typically incorporated into dedicatedstages that are built specifically for an event. At the conclusion ofthe event, the dedicated stage, including the dedicated graphicsmaterials, is disassembled and generally discarded. In certainapplications, portions of the dedicated stage may be saved and storedfor future use. Due to the expense, labor and storage space requirementsassociated with reusing portions of the dedicated stage, the practice ofsaving and storing is clearly an exception to the general rule.

Even for applications in which portions of a dedicated stage may bereturned for subsequent use, shipping issues are significant. Theequipment must be packed into specially designed crating. It isimpractical, if not impossible, to ship such crating in an efficient andcost effective manner. For these described shipping considerations andthe above discussed set up considerations, conventional equipment cannotreadily be moved from location to location.

Event locations generally range from modestly sized conference rooms toballrooms with 20-80 foot high ceilings and 130 foot stages. Corporateexpense for stage building, graphics and related costs can easily exceed$100,000 for a single event.

While conventional stage construction and related branding effectivelyserves intended purposes relating to the creation of furtherance of acorporate image, for example, a need for improvement of the pertinentart remains. In this regard, a need in the art exists for a more costefficient corporate branding system. There is also a need in the art fora modular corporate branding system readily adaptable to event locationsof various size. Furthermore, a need exists in the art for a conferencebranding system that can be quickly and easily be set up, torn down,shipped, stored and reused.

SUMMARY

In one form, the present invention provides a modular conferencebranding arrangement that can be quickly and easily set up and shippedthrough conventional channels with standard size boxes.

In another form, the present invention provides a coupling mechanism forsuspending a display panel from a stage rigging. The coupling mechanismmay include a main body portion extending along an axis and having firstand second ends for telescopically engaging first and second tubularmembers, respectively. The main body portion may include a generallycylindrical, central section. The central section may include anaperture passing therethrough. The aperture may extend perpendicular tothe axis. The coupling mechanism may additionally include a ring memberand a retaining member. The retaining member may pass through the ringmember and be disposed in the aperture.

In yet another form, the present invention provides a method ofproviding a customer with a conference branding system. Ownership of theconference branding system is retained by a party other than thecustomer. The party provides set up and take down of the conferencebranding system at designated event sites in exchange for a usage fee.The party takes responsibility for delivering the system to the eventsite and either shipping the system to the next site or to storage.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method ofshipping a display arrangement having a plurality of flexible displaypanels. The method includes the step of providing a storage containerdefining a storage cavity. The method additionally includes the step ofwrapping the plurality of flexible display panels about a common axis todefine a roll and supporting the roll within the storage container. Themethod further includes the step of shipping the storage container.

Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relatesfrom a reading of the subsequent description of the preferred embodimentand the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is an environmental view of a display arrangement incorporatingbi-directional coupling assemblies constructed in accordance with theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a top schematic view of the display arrangement of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded top view illustrating a bi-directionalcoupling assembly of the present invention operatively associated with apair of tubes.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the bi-directional coupling assembly of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the bi-directional coupling assembly of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a main body portion of the bi-directionalcoupling assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the main body portion of the bi-directionalcoupling assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a round ring of the bi-directional coupling assemblyof the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a clip of the bi-directional couplingassembly of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a spring plunger of the bi-directionalcoupling assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a headless pin of the bi-directional couplingassembly of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a shipping container containing afive-panel display arrangement of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the general steps of a method ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The following description of the present invention is merely exemplaryin nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, itsapplication, or uses.

With initial reference to the environmental view of FIG. 1A and therelated schematic view of FIG. 1B, a display arrangement 10 is shown andgenerally identified at reference character 10. As will become apparentbelow, the subject invention is directed to various aspects of a systemfor suspending graphics panels and a related method. In one particularapplication, the subject invention is directed to various aspects of aconference branding system. Prior to addressing the specific teachingsof the present invention, a brief understanding of the exemplaryenvironment illustrated in FIG. 1 is warranted.

The display arrangement 10 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B to include aplurality of display panels 12A-12E. The display panels 12A-12E may besuspended from conventional stage trusses 13 in a manner to be addressedbelow. Alternatively, it will be understood that the display panels12A-12E may be suspended from airwall tracks or other known structures.In this regard, the present invention shall not be limited to anyparticular form of suspension. In the particular arrangement shown, thedisplay panels 12 may be used to present graphics at live meetings,educational or training seminars, media or business theaterenvironments, or the like. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the arrangement 10 isshown to include five (5) display panels 12. It will be understood thatthe arrangement may also include more or less display panels.

The display panels 12A-12E may be constructed of a suitable fabricmaterial. For shipping purposes, the material of the display panels12A-12E may be sufficiently flexible to allow the display panels 12A-12Eto be rolled and unrolled. Upon unrolling, the display panels 12A-12Emay be free of any creases. For display purpose, the display panels12A-12E may provide a suspended, stationary, and smooth surface fordisplaying the desired graphics. In one particular application, thedisplay panels 12A-12E may be constructed of a white oxford material andtreated with fire retarding chemicals.

In a conventional manner insofar as the subject invention is concerned,the display panels 12A-12E may be provided with sleeves that extendhorizontally along a top edge and a bottom edge. These integrally formedsleeves may receive tubular members (partially shown in the explodedview of FIG. 2 at reference character 14). The tubular members 14 alongthe top edges may provide a rigid element from which the display panels12A-12E may be suspended. The tubular members 14 along the bottom edgesmay ensure that the display panels 12A-12E hang smoothly by similarlyproviding a rigid element. Additionally in this regard, the tubularmembers 14 along the bottom edges may provide a weight that limitswavering of the display panels 12A-12E. The tubular members 14 may beprovided in various lengths. In certain applications, the tubularmembers 14 are provided in lengths of about 9 feet or less.

The display panels 12A-12E of the display arrangement 10 may bepreprinted with graphics. Alternatively, the display panels 12A-12E canbe illuminated with graphics. The display panels 12A-12E may bepreprinted with generic graphics, as discussed below, which maypotentially be used by various corporations and/or for various events.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the display panels 12A-12E may beused with one or more projection screen panels 15. The projection screenpanels 15 may be illuminated with graphics by a rear projector 17, forexample. The display arrangement 10 illustrated may be used inconjunction with a 16 foot tall velour drape. The display arrangement 10may be lighted with dimmable source upwash lamps with floor bases anddiffusion gels.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B and additional reference toFIGS. 2 through 10, the present invention may include a couplingmechanism 16 for suspending the display panels 12 from the conventionalstage rigging. The coupling mechanism may include a main body portion18. In the embodiment illustrated, the main body portion 18 may begenerally cylindrical and extend along an axis 20 (see FIG. 5). The mainbody portion 18 may have first and second ends 22 and 24 fortelescopically engaging first and second tubular members 14,respectively. Explaining further, the first and second ends 22 and 24may have a slightly reduced diameter and may be received in therespective tubular members 14.

The tubular members 14 may be releasably coupled to the tubular members14 with a pair of resilient members 26. In the embodiment illustrated,the resilient members may be spring plungers 26 including a body 28 anda spring biased plunger nose 30. The body 28 may be received within anaperture 32 provided in one of the ends 22 or 24 in a press fitrelationship. The apertures 32 may extend perpendicular to the axis 20.The plunger nose 30 may outwardly extend to engage a small hole 34provided in the tubular members 14.

The coupling mechanism 16 may further include a ring member 36. The ringmember 36 may be disposed in a slot 37 passing through the main bodyportion 18 and may be coupled to the main body portion 18 by a headlesspin 38. The slot 37 may allow the ring 36 to be adjusted verticallyrelative to the main body portion 18. The headless pin 38 may bedisposed in an aperture 40 located in the main body portion 18. Theaperture 40 may pass through the slot 37 and may be generallyperpendicular to the axis 20 and the apertures 32 of the ends 22 and 24.The headless pin 38 may be retained in the aperture 40 by a pair ofclips 42.

In the embodiment illustrated, the main body portion 18 may include apair of concave recesses 44. The concave recesses 44 may be formed onopposite sides of the main body portion 18. The concave recesses 44 mayimprove access to the ring 36 for hooking.

In one particular application, the main body portion 18 may beconstructed of metal and may have a length of approximately 3.25 inches.In this particular application, the central portion of the main bodyportion 18 may have a diameter of approximately 1.00 inches and a lengthof approximately 1.50 inches. Those skilled in the art, however, willreadily appreciate that the particular dimensions are merely exemplaryand may be readily modified within the scope of the present invention.

The subject invention may provide a modular arrangement 10 that can bereadily adapted for various event sites. In this regard, a complete setof display panels 12A-12E can be created. The display panels 12A-12Etypically have a maximum dimension of nine feet. The modular nature ofthe arrangement 10 allows a user to selectively choose the particularpanels 12 for a desired event site.

In certain applications the display arrangement 10 is a specific designfor a conventional 100 foot stage. In certain applications, at least oneof the display panels 12C, for example, has a width dimension (i.e., ina horizontal direction) of approximately 27 feet in three 9 footincrements and a height dimension (ie., in a vertical direction) ofapproximately 9 feet. In such an application, the other display panels12A, 12B, 12D and 12E may have the following dimensions of approximately9 feet by 12 feet, for example.

In addition to the display panels 12, the present invention maygenerally include coordinated PowerPoint® templates for projection ontoa screen, such as the projection screens 15. The templates may be colorand theme coordinated for use with the display panels 12A-12E. As willbe appreciated by those skilled in the art, the colors of the projectedimages and the display panels 12 must be adjusted to accommodatedifferences that necessarily result between images that are printed to afabric and illuminated and images that are projected on to a screen.

The present invention may also generally include printed materials fordistribution to the attendees of the conference. Similar to thetemplates discussed above, the printed materials may be color and themecoordinated for use with the display panels 12.

According to a method of the present invention, a modular arrangement 10is constructed to include a plurality of display panels 12 and generallyhave a common theme. The display panels 12 are dedicated for aparticular customer. The method may also include the preparation oftemplates and printed materials as addressed above.

In one particular application, the customer does not purchase thedisplay panels 12. Rather, the customer pays the owner of the displaypanels 12 a usage fee for each use. The owner ships the display panels12 to a designated event site and sets up the display panels 12. At theconclusion of the conference, the owner disassembles the display panels12. The display panels 12 may be taken to storage or shipped to the nextevent location.

The modular nature of the arrangement of the present inventionfacilitates rapid shipment of the components from location to location.In this regard, the fabric display panels 12 may be stacked and rolledto fit within a conventional box have maximum dimensions ofapproximately 10″ by 10″ by 120″ (for example). As discussed below, thetubular members 14 and the coupling mechanisms 16 may be shipped inthese same boxes along with the display panels 12. The boxes aresuitable for shipment with carriers such as UPS®, Federal Express® andthe like for expedited shipment. Because the components of the presentinvention may be quickly and easily set up and taken down, and alsobecause the components can be readily shipped with standard, expeditedcarriers, transportation from location to location may be accomplishedin a quick and cost effective manner. In this regard, a singlearrangement may be used in New York City at the beginning of the weekand Beijing later in the same week. The modular nature of the presentinvention also facilitates storage for future use.

With reference to the perspective view of FIG. 11 and thecross-sectional views of FIGS. 12 and 13, the display arrangement 10 ofthe present invention is shown stored within a shipping container 50. Inone application, the shipping container 50 has a length L ofapproximately 117 inches, a height H of approximately 10.5 inches and awidth W of approximately 9.5 inches. While these dimensions may vary,the shipping container typically has a maximum height of 12 inches, amaximum length of 119 inches and a maximum width of 11 inches.

The shipping container 50 may be constructed of wood or other suitablematerial and include edges and corners conventionally reinforced withmetal. The container may include a base 52 and a top 54. The base 52 andtop 54 cooperate to define a storage area 56 for receiving and storingthe display arrangement 10. The top 54 may be pivotally attached to thebase 52 with hinges (not shown) in a conventional manner. The top 54 maybe secured in a closed orientation manner. The top 54 may be secured ina closed orientation relative to the base 54 with a plurality of latches58. The latches 58 may be lockable latches.

The display panels 12 may be stacked and rolled about a common axis. Incertain applications, the display panels may be rolled about a tubularmember 60. The tubular member 60 may be a PVC tube or other suitablestructure. The ends of the tubular member 60 may be supported withinrecesses 62 (see FIG. 13) provided at the ends of the storage area 56.The recesses 62 may be defined in a foam panel 64. In this manner, thestacked and rolled display panels 12 may be supported above a bottom ofthe storage area 56 to accommodate the other components (e.g., tubes 14)of the display arrangement 10. A foam member 66 may be carried by thetop 54 and thereby compress the tubular member 60 along with the foamrecess 62 for stable shipment.

Turning to FIG. 14, a method of shipping a display arrangement 10 inaccordance with the present invention will be described. In a firstgeneral step 100, the method includes the step of providing a storagecontainer 50 defining a storage cavity 56. In a second general step 110,the method includes the step of wrapping a plurality of flexible displaypanels 12 about a common axis to define a roll. In a third general step120, the method includes the step of supporting the roll within thestorage container 50. In a fourth general step 130, the method includesthe step of shipping the storage container 50.

When the display arrangement 10 is stored in the storage container 50for shipment, the loaded container preferably has a maximum weight ofapproximately 150 lbs. In certain applications, the container 50 mayhave a weight of approximately 138 lbs. The storage container 50 mayinclude a handle at one end and a pair of wheels 72 (see FIG. 13) tofacilitate manual transportation to and from a delivery vehicle.

It is anticipated the display panels 12 of the present invention may beprovided with standard or stock setups to promote particular themes. Inthis regard, it is anticipated that the display panels 12 of the presentinvention may be designed to address at least the following standardsetups: innovation and communications; stock, financial andinstitutional; engineering and technology; health care andpharmaceuticals; community and employee appreciation; and customerappreciation.

While the invention has been described in the specification andillustrated in the drawings with reference to a preferred embodiment, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from the essentialscope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not belimited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings anddescribed in the specification as the best mode presently contemplatedfor carrying out this invention.

1. A coupling mechanism for suspending a display panel from a stagerigging, the coupling mechanism comprising: a main body portionextending along an axis and having first and second ends fortelescopically engaging first and second tubular members, respectively,the main body portion including a generally cylindrical, centralsection, the central section including an aperture passing therethrough,the aperture extending perpendicular to the axis; a ring member; and aretaining member passing through the ring member and disposed in theaperture.
 2. The coupling mechanism for suspending a display panel ofclaim 1, further comprising first and second resilient members forreleasably securing the first end to the first tubular member and thesecond end to the second tubular member, respectively.
 3. The couplingmechanism for suspending a display panel of claim 2, wherein the firstand second resilient members are spring plungers.
 4. The couplingmechanism for suspending a display panel of claim 1, wherein the mainbody portion defines an elongated slot vertically extendingtherethrough, the ring disposed in the slot.
 5. The coupling mechanismfor suspending a display panel of claim 5, wherein the main body portiondefines a pair of concave recesses, the slot intersecting the pair ofconcave recesses.
 6. A portable display arrangement for the display ofgraphics at a conference or like event, the portable display arrangementcomprising: a plurality of flexible display panels, the plurality offlexible display panels wrapped around a common axis to form a roll; ashipping container defining a storage cavity receiving and supportingthe roll; and a plurality of tubular members for suspending theplurality of flexible display panels from one or more trusses, theplurality of tubular members disposed in the storage cavity.
 7. Theportable display arrangement of claim 6, wherein the storage cavity ispartially defined by a lower floor, the roll supported within thestorage cavity above the lower floor.
 8. The portable displayarrangement of claim 6, wherein the plurality of display panels arestacked and wrapped about a tubular member.
 9. The portable displayarrangement of claim 7, where the ends of the storage cavity definerecesses for supporting the ends of the roll.
 10. The portable displayarrangement of claim 7, wherein the plurality of tubular members aredisposed below the roll.
 11. The portable display arrangement of claim6, wherein the storage container has a maximum length of approximately119 inches, a maximum height of approximately 12 inches and a maximumwidth of approximately 11 inches.
 12. The portable display arrangementof claim 6, wherein the shipping container includes a handle proximateone end and a pair of wheels proximate the other end.
 13. A method ofshipping a display arrangement, the display arrangement having aplurality of flexible display panels, the method comprising the stepsof: providing a storage container defining a storage cavity; wrappingthe plurality of flexible display panels about a common axis to define aroll; supporting the roll within the storage container; and shipping thestorage container.
 14. The method of shipping a display arrangement ofclaim 13, wherein the step of wrapping the plurality of flexible displaypanels about a common axis to define a roll includes the step ofstacking the flexible display panels.
 15. The method of shipping adisplay arrangement of claim 13, further comprising the step ofproviding a tubular member, and wherein the step of wrapping theplurality of flexible display panels about a common axis to define aroll includes the step of wrapping the plurality of flexible displaypanels about the tubular member.
 16. The method of shipping a displayarrangement of claim 15, wherein the step of supporting the roll withinthe storage container includes the step of supporting the tubular memberwithin the storage container.
 17. The method of shipping a displayarrangement of claim 13, wherein the step of supporting the roll withinthe storage container includes the step of supporting the roll withinthe storage container above a floor of the storage cavity.